Hip Hop And Fashion: 10 Best Collaborations

Hip hop and fashion meshed because, at the end of the day, rappers had to look good, but back in the 1980’s there were no fashion sponsors. Even though rappers supported a brand, it didn’t necessarily mean that the brand would support the rapper. There was a disconnect and for some reason brands did not believe that a rapper can bring in the money.

Run DMC was the group to change that dynamic. They loved Adidas, and Adidas the first major brand to take notice of that. When the rap group wore their Adidas kicks without laces, a trend began and the sneaker company doubled in popularity and sales. In 1986 they released their hit “My Adidas” and with the success of that record it was clear that collaborating with the trio was genius a genius move.

Since then, brands that collaborate with hip hop artists do well in the lifestyle category, which means popularity, and of course, big bucks. Not only do fashion brands want to work with hip hop artists, but beverage, food and technology companies, too. Think about it: nobody wears construction Timberland’s because their job is in construction, at least not anymore.